The Piedmont region, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, is a paradise for ice cream lovers seeking farm-fresh, locally-produced treats. From the rolling hills of Virginia to the scenic pastures of South Carolina, this area is home to numerous on-farm ice cream shops that offer a unique and delightful experience.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the region, these creameries provide an opportunity to enjoy delicious ice cream while connecting with the source of your food.
This July Ice Cream Month, take the time to visit one (or all!) of the 13 best on-farm ice cream shops in the Piedmont region, each offering a taste of rural charm and creamy indulgence.
Virginia
Moo Thru
Moo Thru is a family-owned ice cream shop in Remington, Virginia offering a true “farm-to- cone” experience. Their ice cream is made using milk from their own dairy farm, ensuring the freshest and most authentic flavors. With a wide variety of flavors, Moo Thru has something for everyone.
Visitors can enjoy their ice cream via a convenient drive-thru service or by relaxing on the farm.
Richlands Dairy Farm & Creamery
Located in Dinwiddie, Virginia, Richlands Dairy Farm is a family-run business that has been offering fresh dairy foods for decades. Their on-farm creamery provides a variety of ice cream flavors, including seasonal specialties like Cotton Candy Swirl and Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake.
Visitors can enjoy their ice cream at the farm’s outdoor seating area, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
North Carolina
Riverbend Creamery
Located in Lincolnton, North Carolina, Riverbend Creamery is a fifth-generation family-owned dairy farm known for its creamy and rich Jersey milk. Their ice cream is made using milk from their own grass-fed Jersey cows, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste.
The farm offers a variety of ice cream flavors that can be enjoyed while taking in the serene countryside views. Visitors can also learn about the dairy process and see the cows that contribute to their favorite treats.
Homeland Creamery
Homeland Creamery, located in Julian, North Carolina is another family-owned gem. The Bowman family has been farming and producing dairy foods for generations and their commitment to quality is evident in their ice cream. The creamery offers a range of flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to unique seasonal offerings.
Homeland Creamery also emphasizes sustainable farming practices, making it a great place to enjoy delicious ice cream while supporting environmentally-friendly practices.
Willow Oak Farms
Situated in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, Willow Oak Farms is home to The Scoop, a delightful ice cream shop on a working farm. Established to provide agri-tourism and additional income for the family farm, The Scoop offers a variety of popular and seasonal ice cream flavors, hand spun milkshakes and specialty sundaes.
The farm provides a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can enjoy their ice cream while rocking on the front porch or exploring the farm’s offerings.
Howling Cow Creamery
Howling Cow Creamery is part of NC State University’s Dairy Education Center and Creamery in Raleigh, North Carolina. This creamery uses milk from the university’s own herd of cows to create a variety of delicious ice cream flavors. The modern farmhouse setting, complete with a wrap-around porch and rocking chairs, provides a perfect spot to enjoy a fresh ice cream cone while overlooking cow pastures. It’s an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Simply Natural Creamery
Simply Natural Creamery in Ayden, North Carolina is renowned for its ice cream made from the milk of their Jersey cows. This family-owned creamery offers nearly 30 flavors of ice cream, each crafted with care and precision. The farm tours allow visitors to see the dairy operation up close, meet the cows and learn about the milk-to-ice-cream process.
It’s fantastic destination families looking to enjoy fresh, farm-made ice cream and learn more about dairy farming.
South Carolina
Happy Cow Creamery
Happy Cow Creamery in Pelzer, South Carolina is a well-known place for farm-fresh dairy foods, including their delectable ice cream. The creamery emphasizes sustainable farming practices and offers tours that allow visitors to see the cows and learn about the dairy process. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a treat and support local agriculture.
Southern Craft Creamery
Located in Attapulgus, South Carolina, Southern Craft Creamery produces small-batch, artisan ice cream using milk from their own herd of cows. They offer a variety of unique and seasonal flavors that highlight the best of local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy these delicious flavors while learning about the farm’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Tennessee
Apple Valley Creamery
Located in the picturesque town of Sevierville, Tennessee, Apple Valley Creamery is a must-visit for any ice cream enthusiast. This charming creamery is renowned for its small-batch, handcrafted ice cream made from high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. The creamery offers a wide variety of flavors, ranging from classic favorites like vanilla and chocolate to unique creations such as honey lavender and apple pie.
Visitors can enjoy their ice cream in a serene setting, surrounded by the beautiful Smoky Mountains. The creamery also offers a range of baked goods, making it a perfect spot for a sweet treat after a day of exploring the area.
Hatcher Family Dairy
Hatcher Family Dairy, located in College Grove, Tennessee is a family-owned operation that has been producing dairy foods since 1831. Their on-farm dairy store offers an array of fresh dairy foods, including their famous ice cream. Made with milk from their own herd of cows, Hatcher’s ice cream is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Visitors can sample a variety of flavors, from traditional options like strawberry and butter pecan to seasonal specialties.
The farm also offers tours, allowing visitors to learn about the dairy process and meet the cows that contribute to their delicious ice cream. It’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Shop Springs Creamery
Nestled in the countryside of Lebanon, Tennessee, Shop Springs Creamery is another gem in Tennessee’s ice cream scene. This creamery prides itself on using fresh, all-natural ingredients to create their fresh ice cream. The farm-to-table approach ensures that each scoop is packed with flavor and freshness. Popular flavors include cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip and caramel swirl.
The creamery also offers a petting zoo and playground, making it an ideal destination for families. Guests can enjoy their ice cream while watching the farm animals or relaxing under the shade of a tree.
Nash Family Creamery
In Chapel Hill, Tennessee, Nash Family Creamery stands out as a premier outing for farm-fresh ice cream. This family-run creamery offers a wide selection of ice cream flavors, each made with milk from their own cows and other locally-sourced ingredients. Favorites include blackberry cobbler, peanut butter cup and banana pudding.
In addition to their delicious ice cream, Nash Family Creamery offers a farm store with a variety of local products, including cheeses, meats and baked goods. The creamery also hosts events and live music, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Exploring the 13 best on-farm ice cream shops in the Piedmont region is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about embracing the farm-to-table philosophy and supporting local agriculture. These creameries provide more than just delicious ice cream—they offer an experience that connects you to the land, the animals and the dedicated farmers who bring these must-have treats to life.
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